Austin Urgent Cares See Spike in Flu, Norovirus, and Cedar Fever Cases

Clinics report persistent fevers, dehydration, and other severe symptoms as winter illnesses spread across the region.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Austin-area urgent care clinics are reporting a rise in flu, norovirus, and cedar fever cases this winter. Physicians are seeing longer-lasting fevers, dehydration, and other severe symptoms as illnesses spread through the community. Experts advise seeking medical care if symptoms like persistent fever, dizziness, or inability to keep fluids down develop.

Why it matters

The increase in winter illnesses in Austin reflects broader regional and national trends, straining local healthcare resources. Understanding the specific illnesses circulating and their symptoms can help residents seek appropriate medical care and take preventive measures.

The details

Urgent care clinics in Austin are seeing a surge in flu-like illnesses as well as gastrointestinal infections like norovirus. Physicians report that flu symptoms, including fever, body aches, and fatigue, seem to be lasting longer than usual, up to 5-7 days. Norovirus, which causes vomiting and diarrhea, can also persist for weeks after initial symptoms subside. Additionally, cedar fever season has arrived, triggering allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, and fever-like feelings.

  • Cedar fever season typically peaks during the winter months.
  • Last month, Austin Public Health warned that flu cases were increasing dramatically across Central Texas.

The players

Jordan Jones

A Baylor Scott & White urgent care physician assistant.

Viviana Rocha

A family nurse practitioner for Baylor Scott & White.

Dr. Loren Lee

A physician with Baylor Scott & White Health who specializes in cedar fever treatment.

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What they’re saying

“The big thing that I've noticed with this round of flu is that the fevers seem to persist even five to seven days, where normally we see fevers for maybe three days when we're dealing with a viral illness, so it's really taking a lot out of these kids and other people as well.”

— Viviana Rocha, Family nurse practitioner (KXAN)

“They get all of the respiratory symptoms: sneezing, coughing and itchy eyes. Cedar fever takes it to a new level because it can create worse symptoms for some, where they feel miserable.”

— Dr. Loren Lee (KXAN)

What’s next

Experts advise seeking medical care if symptoms like persistent fever, dizziness, or inability to keep fluids down develop.

The takeaway

The surge in winter illnesses in Austin reflects broader regional and national trends, straining local healthcare resources. Understanding the specific illnesses circulating and their symptoms can help residents seek appropriate medical care and take preventive measures.